Nothing wrong in Salman being goodwill ambassador: Bhaichung Bhutia

Kolkata: Amidst the raging debate on whether actor Salman Khan should be the goodwill ambassador for India in the Rio Olympics, former national football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has spoken for the Bollywood icon saying "there is nothing wrong in it".

Bhaichung Bhutia. Pic/Atul Kamble

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had made the announcement on April 23 in New Delhi but the decision since then has received flak from certain sections of the sporting fraternity including the likes of legendary athlete Milkha Singh and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt.

But Bhaichung believes Salman who essays the role of a wrestler in his upcoming film 'Sultan' will help promote Olympics in India.

"Salman definitely did not go and say I want to be the ambassador. There is nothing wrong in it. If he can promote and make people aware of the Olympics then it is well and good," Bhaichung told the media here at the Calcutta Sports Journalist's annual awards ceremony.

Though he did not say it, Bhaichung hinted that the Bollywood star can grab more attention than Olympic gold winner Abhinav Bindra.

"Reality is whenever you put Salman Khan and let's say Abhinav Bindra, who will the common mass follow? It saddens me being a sports person but I believe he will do well in promoting the Indian athletes, help in getting more publicity for the Indian contingent at the Olympics," said the 39-year-old.

"Bollywood sells everywhere in India. Take any sports event for example there has to be a dose of Bollywood. Now if that is going to help India then nothing wrong in it," he added.